Marouane Fellaini may well have no future at Manchester United, but he sent a timely message to Louis van Gaal with an injury-time winner – his first goal for the club – that maintained the new manager’s perfect record with a 2-1 triumph against Valencia.
All eyes were on the Dutchman’s new-look side against Valencia after five wins on their US tour.
But it was one of the old guard, Darren Fletcher, who struck the 49th minute opener with a deflected effort. Rodrigo Moreno – a former loanee at nearby Bolton – volleyed home a 71st minute equaliser for Valencia after Tom Cleverley’s miscued clearance.
But substitute Fellaini – expected to depart this month after a dismal debut season – ensured van Gaal had a happy homecoming at Old Trafford when he finished from close range after Diego Alves missed a cross.
Despite it being a friendly, there was an obvious need for improvement and van Gaal will now turn his attention to strengthening his squad ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Swansea.
A record bid of around £40 million (Dh246m) could be enough to secure Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal’s signature and Argentine left wing-back Marcos Rojo could follow after handing in a transfer request at Sporting Lisbon.
Rojo’s compatriot Angel di Maria is another target and United need more quality if they are to avoid another campaign of disappointment.
If this was also to be an audition for the captaincy, Wayne Rooney didn’t exactly boost his chances.
With more poise he could have had a first-half hat-trick, curling a free kick over before failing to control a pass from Fletcher that saw him clear. Sandwiched in between was a 32nd minute penalty miss.
It was very much a new United. Gone were players who were part of their successful history, such as Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Ryan Giggs.
That gave an opportunity to the next generation of talent and those who had faltered under the previous regime, namely bright prospects Tyler Blackett and Reece James, and winger Young. In van Gaal’s 3-4-3 system, Young had flourished in pre-season and again looked a threat in a right wing-back role with dashing runs and cunning crosses.
Phil Jones was first to test the Valencia keeper, though, in the 22nd minute with a header from Juan Mata’s corner. Midfielder Ander Herrera followed that with an ambitious 25-yard volley that dropped wide.
Van Gaal later said it was a tough game.
“The main thing is that we won in spite of playing our worst game,” he said. “We need time but we have won every game and that’s fantastic when you see our opponents.”
